Fit for a King: Omar Bongo’s Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet Up for Auction

Fit for a King: Omar Bongo’s Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet Up for Auction There are a lot of rare automobiles going up for auction at RM’s Sports and Classics of Monaco event, but we’re betting one example -- a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet -- will be the star of the show.Why? Rarity, for one. Between 1960 and 1982, Mercedes-Benz built nearly 2677 600s, the vast majority (roughly 2190) being short wheelbase sedans. 428 Pullmans -- the long-wheelbase, six-door limousines -- were built, but were nowhere as rare as the 59 Landaulets, which sported a convertible top over the rear seats. For the most part, Landaulets were sold to...

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BMW, Mercedes-Benz Fight to Outsell Each Other in China

BMW, Mercedes-Benz Fight to Outsell Each Other in China BMW may have outsold Mercedes-Benz globally in 2009, but the two German automakers are both vying to be the biggest luxury brands in the Chinese market. For the time being, BMW holds that title. Over the past six years, its marketshare in China has grown from 16 to 23 percent, but BMW isn’t resting on its laurels. At the Beijing auto show, CEO Norbert Reithofer announced the company has increased its 2010 sales forecast (which includes BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce vehicles) by 20 percent, bumping the total to 120,000 units. In contrast, BMW sold 90,500 vehicles in China in 2009. New vehicles...

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Vexing Hex: Iranian Designer Pens 6-Wheel Mercedes-Benz Off-Roader

For now, the Unimog remains Mercedes-Benz’s most potent off-road machine -- but we rather like the ideas presented in the design concept crafted by Iranian engineer Siyamak Rouhi Dehkordi. Dubbed the Mercedes-Benz Hexawheel, the conceptual off-roader utilizes -- of all things -- six wheels. The hallowed portal axles of the Unimog are abandoned in favor of independent suspension at each wheel, but the frame itself is truly interesting. Like the unusual M561 Gamma Goat military vehicle, the Hexawheel sports a vertically articulated frame, which is hinged around the axis of the center pair of wheels. Dehkordi says the design allows...

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Volvo Going Racing with Rear-Drive Volvo S60

Now that the production 2011 Volvo S60 has launched, Volvo is turning its attention to the race track. The Belgian arm of the Swedish automaker outlined the first details of its entry into 2010 the Belgian Touring Car Series, which begins April 11. The BTCS is a six-race endurance series. Most races consist of two 90-minute heats, while a 12-hour race occurs at legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Competition includes BMW, Audi, Jaguar, and Volkswagen. The racing S60 falls under Silhouette S1 specification, meaning all cars must use a tubular chassis, identical front and rear suspension, aerodynamics, and an engine no larger than 3500 cubic-centimeters. The...

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Two tuners have worked their magic to turn out their own versions of the latest BMW M3 that are, respectively, faster and more carbon-fibery Ultimate Driving Machines. On the speed side, wheel tuner Emotion Wheels has expanded its business to include full tuning packages. In the case of the E92 M3, Emotion has eked out 707 horsepower from the V-8 that usually produces 414, claiming "significant" improvement in straight-line performance. Emotion's full upgrade also includes 19-inch black matte wheels, exterior styling enhancements, and a carbon-fiber hood. Speaking of carbon fiber, aftermarket supplier Arkym is now offering a hood, trunk, and...

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